We to start with highlighted Dan Honey and Paul Fuog’s beautifully understated and very functional condominium in 2013, when they’d been living in it for just over a yr. Now, 9 decades on, the couple and their daughter have made a decision the time is ideal to place their beloved, compact abode on the industry in buy to obtain a home that has a ‘bit additional separation.’
‘We enjoy the perception of connectedness the apartment gives,’ states Dan. ‘Living proper in the middle of the metropolis indicates we never really feel isolated dwelling here.’
Locals will possible know the legendary facade of this Flinders Lane condominium building recognised as Bible Residence, constructed in 1898 during the city’s heyday, by architect and metropolis planner Frank Stapely. In 1911 the building was obtained by the British and Foreign Bible Modern society to be made use of to distribute bibles from the shopfronts, consequently the identify, and in 1994 the constructing was converted into the 17 household apartments however standing nowadays.
Even though the creating even now resembles its 1898 originals externally, internally, the flats have been noticeably upgraded to match modern-day-day town dwelling. Dan and Paul engaged renowned architect Clare Cousins to support them with their redesign, which involved entirely gutting the interior to make way for a more modern day, nominal and versatile space.
The new bedroom, for instance, is a ‘bed platform’ enclosed in very simple joinery and lots of in-created storage that separates it from their daughter’s bedroom. Three vibrant, sliding screens allow for this house to come to be section of the living room when open up, and a completely private bedroom when closed.
‘Before the renovation the one particular bed room was a terrible dimension, with only 50cm on either facet of the mattress,’ claims Paul. ‘It was just massive enough to make a mess in, but not big more than enough to really get pleasure from. Both bedrooms are like little hideaways now, serving no other function than stress-free and a location to snooze.’
They also prolonged the kitchen, overhauled the bathroom, had the floorboards sanded and the partitions painted a crisp white. ‘The materials palette was kept neutral and warm all over,’ clarifies Dan. ‘It designed fluidity and spaciousness.’
Soaring 3.8 metre ceilings and huge, operable arched windows alongside the northern partitions offer the supreme sense of area.
Paul states, ‘Having all the windows open with the summer season breeze coming by is pretty unique, and not what you expect to experience dwelling appropriate in the city.’
Apart from the early Friday morning tram trips to Vic Current market to decide on up produce for the 7 days forward, and the means to are living and get almost everywhere without the need of a automobile, what the pair will miss most about their iconic apartment is residing in the coronary heart of the hustle and bustle of the city.
‘Melbourne is a gorgeous metropolis, and it has been a delight being immersed in the grand architecture on a every day foundation,’ suggests Dan. ‘It’s constantly uplifting.’
301/241 Flinders Lane is outlined with Sam Fenna at Belle Assets and will go to auction on Saturday Oct 22 at 1:00pm.